Finding Us

Finding Us by Tracie Peterson is the second book in the Pictures of the Heart series. It can be read as a standalone if you have not read Remember Me. The story transports readers back to 1909 in Seattle where the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition is taking place. The author's descriptions bring the scenes to life. I could imagine the bustling exposition, the flora and fauna in Seattle and Alaska, the streets of Seattle, and even the sinking of the ship. I enjoyed learning about the exposition and the Camera Girls. A picture taken by one of the Camera Girls may have been only ten cents but that was a fortune for some people. I was surprised to learn that the "new" Brownie camera cost only ten dollars. I can tell the author did her research on the exposition. I enjoyed getting to know Eleanor and Bill. We also get to know Bill's brother, Wallace and his wife, Amelia. Grady Masterson is an evil man intent on revenge. I did feel that Bill and Eleanor's romance moved too quickly despite the explanations. Wallace had a crisis of faith which is understandable after the loss of a loved one. It is reasonable to wonder why God lets bad things happen especially to good people. I did feel that Wallace was a little quick to change his tune when hope came his way. Faith, God, and scripture are strong themes in the story since faith is a big part of the main characters lives. I like that we got to catch up with Addie and Isaac from Remember Me. The story does contain violence (fisticuffs, abuse, and murder). Key details are repeated throughout the story. I can understand repeating them once or twice, but no more than that. I felt that Finding Us was a nice but predictable story. In Finding Us the author has combined love, loss, hope, revenge, greed, friendship, and faith into one heartwarming tale.